Armand Di Giacomo *53

Armand Di Giacomo died Nov. 4, 2003, at Johns Hopkins University Hospital from complications following surgery.

Armand earned master's and doctoral degrees at Princeton in chemistry under the guidance of Dr. Charles P. Smyth, a Nichols Medalist. He spent his entire career as a research chemist at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Over four decades, his work touched diverse areas such as elastomers, nitrocellulose, plastic polymers, heterogeneous catalysis, and continuous polymerization of Teflon.

In later years Armand became an avid duplicate bridge player, earning the designation of Silver Life Master. He served as an officer of the Delaware State Bridge Association and edited its newsletter for 12 years.

While a graduate student, Armand was concertmaster of the Princeton University Orchestra. He continued to play the violin professionally with the Delaware Symphony, Wilmington Opera Company, the DuPont String Quartet, and The Brandywiners Ltd.

The hours he spent playing music were precious to him. Nevertheless, in his own estimation Armand's most significant achievement was the family he raised with his wife, Virginia.

Armand is survived by Virginia; their four sons, Robert, Stephen, Joseph, and Ronald; and 12 grandchildren.